Turnstile with readily dismountable arms

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed an improved turnstile rotor construction in which vertical rows of rotor arms are carried on and associated with corresponding plates, which plates are assembled in edgeadjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship to provide the center mounting post of the rotor. All connector components for connecting the plates together, removably connecting the arms to the plates, and for supporting the rotor for rotation about a fixed vertical axis are disposed interiorly of the mounting post.

United States Patent [191 Nica 1 TURNSTILE WITH READHLY DISMOUNTABLEARMS [75] Inventor: Theodore Nica, New York, NY.

[73] Assignee: Perey Manufacturing Co., Inc., New

York, NY.

221 I Filed: July 13, 1973 21 Appl. 310.1 379,173

[52] US. Cl 49/42, 49/46, 403/174, 403/218 [51] Int. Cl E061) 11/08 [58]Field of Search 49/42, 43, 46; 403/174, 403/178, 218

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Odell 49/46 1451 Oct. 8,1974 Gcrsbuch cl a1 49/42 Lambcrtson 49/42 Primary Examiner-KennethDowney Attorney, Agent, or FirmWatson Leavenwort Kelton & Taggart I [5 7l ABSTRACT There is disclosed an improved tumstile rotor construction inwhich vertical rows of rotor arms are carried on and associated withcorresponding plates, which plates are assembled inedge-adjacent-to-edgeadjacent relationship to provide the centermounting post of the rotor; All connector components for connecting theplates together, removably connecting the arms to the plates, and forsupporting the rotor for rotation about a fixed vertical axis aredisposed interiorly of the mounting post.

11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures TURNSTILE WITH READILY DISMOUNTABLIE ARMSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Turnstiles commonly are used for thepurposes of controlling fee admission to various types of public andprivate facilities such as athletic stadiums, transit systems and thelike. Turnstiles also can be employed for the purpose of crowd controlto funnel large masses of people through entrances and/or exits at suchfacilities in orderly fashion. Particularly effective to these ends isthe type of turnstile referred to in the art as a full stride turnstileunit. The full stride turnstile generally is situated at a suitableentrance opening in the facility to be served thereby and includes acage structure provided at one side with a barrier wall such as anarcuate configured sheet member, or an assembly of vertical andhorizontal intersecting members laid out in an arcuately shaped pattern.The turnstile also includes a turnstile rotor which includes a centralvertically disposed mounting post receptively carrying a number ofvertically disposed rows of spaced arms which extend radially of themounting post with the spacing between adjacent rows of arms beingsufficient for one person to walk through the turnstile gate when therotor is rotated. The turnstile also includes at the opposite side ofthe cage structure a vertical row of fixed arms which are disposed suchthat the arms on the rotor pass through the spaces between adjacentfixed arms when the turnstile rotor is rotated. For purposes of safetyas well as elimination of unduly long down time periods if it isnecessary to replace a rotor arm, it is desirable that the rotor arms bereadily dismountable from the mounting post. For example, andparticularly where coin or token operated mechanism control rotation ofthe turnstile rotor and in instances where such mechanisms jams, it isusually necessary to remove certain of the arms at least from onevertical row of such arms on the turnstile rotor in order to release aperson who may be trapped in the jammed turnstile unit. As mentioned, itis desirable this be done as quickly and effectively as possible.Furthermore, due to the nature of the service to which turnstiles aresubjected, the arm mountings on the tunrstile rotor in time wear andsuch arms can become wobbly and deflect to the point where they may notclear through the space between the fixed arms so that is thus becomesnecessary periodically to replace at least certain of the arms on therotor.

Various forms of turnstile construction are known which provide foreffecting rotor replacement rapidly and with reasonable expedience. Forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,170,192 and 3,318,045 described the employmentof a mounting bracket of special construction which can be used inconjunction with a turnstile rotor to permit removal of single arms froma row of such arms when replacement must be effected. However, thebrackets disclosed in the patents aforesaid result in a turnstile rotorconstruction in which access to the brackets and fastener devicesassociated therewith are from the outside of the rotor, making itrelatively easy for vandals and others intent on malicious purpose tounauthorizedly remove the turnstile arms. Additionally, the turnstilerotor forms described in these patents involve the use of protuberantstructure, for example nuts and bolts, extending exteriorly of the rotorwhich, aside from providing access to those who would tamper with thestructure, could present a hazard in certain circumstances to users ofthe turnstile. For example, a shopper carrying parcels which couldbecome caught on the protuberant structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with animproved turnstile construction and more particularly with an improvedform of turnstile rotor. It is the purpose of the present invention toprovide a turnstile rotor construction which permits rapidly and readilyreplacing one or more arms in the turnstile rotor in the event of damageand/or wear to the, same to a degree necessitating such replacement. Afurther object of the invention is to provide a turnstile rotorconstruction in which the rotor arms are mounted in a manner aseliminates the presence of protuberant mounting structures and deviceson the exterior surface of the rotor mounting post, thereby lesseningthe likelihood of surreptitious or unauthorized removal of arms as wellas minimizing the likelihood of such protuberant structure being causefor discomfort and/or hazard to users of the turnstile, all connectioncomponents associated with connection of the rotor elements, arms androtatable mounting devices being connectable together interiorly of therotor central mounting post.

In accordance with the invention,a turnstile rotor is provided whichcomprises a mounting post including a plurality of elongated plates eachhaving substantially straight side edges, the plates having a specialshape and desirably being identical in all respects. The plates arearranged in an assembly of the plates connected inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other so as toform a fully encircling enclosure about a vertical axis, such axis beingdefined by opposed upper and lower pivots mounted on suitable mountingstructure and which pivots are received in hubs disposed at thecorresponding upper and lower ends of the mounting post structure. Themeans for assembly connecting together the plates comprise companionconnector components carried on the plates and connectable together incompanion relationship interiorly of the enclosure, such connectorcomponents desirably comprising projections in the form of bosses withthe projections on each plate being in aligned abutment with a companionprojection on another plate when the plates are assembled to form theenclosure with a fastener desirably provided as a threaded bolt beingemployed for maintaining the pairs of aligned projections in connectedtogether abutment. The plates also carry mounting blocks at the upperand lower ends of the mounting post enclosure which align with hubmounting blocks and connectable together by means of suitable fastenersfor supporting the enclosure on the hubs for rotation about the fixedturnstile axis of rotation. The plates which comprise the turnstilemounting post are shaped such that when assembled the rotor mountingpost has a generally smooth surface external configuration, devoid ofprotuberant structure and presents a corresponding plurality of armmounting surfaces arranged about the fixed vertical axis of rotation,there being one mounting surface associated with each plate. Rows ofvertically spaced arms associated one row with each of the plates arereceived through openings in the mounting surfaces with the arms beingreceived at one end in the mounting post and extending radially of thevertical axis in conventional manner. Means also are provided forremovably connecting the arms in each row at one end of each such arm toits associated plate, such means comprising an extension piece ofreduced dimension at the end of the arm which extension piece extendsinteriorly of the turnstile mounting post, there being a companionmounting member for each arm extension carried on the associated platewith a fastener being employed for securedly connecting the armextension piece to its companion mounting member. Each of the platescarries boss-like projections therein for connecting it with the otherplates in such manner that each plate is connectable with at least twoother plates. Each plate is provided with an opening for receptiontherethrough from a location exterior of the enclosure of the fastenerassociated with each pair of bosses. In this manner, when it is desiredto remove one or more arms from a given vertical row of such arms, thefasteners associated with the plate or plates carrying the row of armsrequiring replacement are removed from exterior of the enclosure throughopenings in such plates and the plates with all arms connected therewithcan be removed from the central turnstile structure. Any damaged orbroken arm then can be removed from its associated plate and replacedwith a new arm unit following which the entire row of arms isreassembled as part of the turnstile mounting post by connecting theassociated plate with the other unremoved plates.

In accordance with the invention, the bosses on the respective platescan be provided as hollow cylindrical components fixedly secured to theinner surfaces of the plates as by welding. The arm extension piece ofeach arm in the rows of such arms desirably is provided as flat sidedstructure which, when the arm is received in the rotor mounting post,engages with a like flat surface on the mounting member associatedtherewith and which mounting member is fixedly secured to the interiorsurface of the associated plate, the mounting member being carried onthe plates, e.g., by welded connection therewith. In one suitable form,the companion mounting member can comprise an inverted channel welded atthe tip'ends of its flanges to the inner surface of the plate, the flatweb of such channel receiving the flat arm extension piece in face toface contact therewith. To further enhance the appearance of theturnstile, the arms of such can be comprised of elongated cores which inturn are enclosed in elongated sheaths extending the full length of thearm core and being provided of material readily lending itself toenhancement of the appearance of the turnstile as, for example,stainless steel.

In accordance with the invention, the turnstile rotor can be embodied ina turnstile in which the row of vertical fixed arms customarilyassociated with such structures are recieved in a vertical post andremovably connected to the latter with such fixed arms having opposedangle pieces at one end thereof which extend into the fixed post, withthe fixed post having companion mounting blocks to which the opposedangle pieces can be connected by fasteners extending through both, suchfixed arm construction thereby also facilitating ready replacement ofone or more of the fixed arms in an efficient and rapidly effectedmanner.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangements of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope ofthe invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A fuller understanding of the natureand objects of the invention will be had from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a turnstile embodying the turnstilerotor construction of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view as taken on the line lIII in FIG.1 depicting the manner in which the elongated shaped plates areconnected in edgeadjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with other andfurther depicting the manner in which the fasteners are received in thealigned connection projections carried on the plates, with the fastenershaving been received through openings at the outer surface of theplates.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view as taken along the line IIIIII inFIG. 1 depicting the manner in which the rotor arms are removablymounted in the central rotor mounting post.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of the rotor mounting post withone plate removed therefrom illustrating the plate connector componentsas well as the arm mounting members carried at the inside of theenclosure.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the upper portion of theturnstile rotor with one plate removed, depicting the manner in whichthe rotor mounting post is supported for rotation about a fixed axis. 7

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of the lower end of theturnstile rotor, depicting the manner in which it is mounted at suchlower end for rotation about a fixed axis.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view as taken along the line VII-VIIin FIG. 1, depicting the manner in which the fixed arms of the turnstilecage are received in and connected to a fixed mounting post.

FIG. 8 is a horizontal fragmentary sectional view as taken along theline VIIIVIII in FIGS. 1 and 7.

Throughout the following description, like reference numberals are usedto denote like parts in the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1 of thedrawings, the turnstile 10 comprises a cage-like structure having afixed post 12 at one side thereof and wherein is mounted vertical rowsof fixed arms 14 constituting a barrier and vertically being spaced suchthat the after-described rotor arms will pass intermediate adjacent onesof the fixed arms 14 as the rotor is rotated. At the opposite side ofthe cage structure is an arcuate plan outline shaped cage liner 16 whichwith the vertical rows of radial arms 18 on the turnstile rotor 20defines a space 21 through which a person can walk up-right using a fullwalking stride to pass through the turnstile. The turnstile rotorincludes a central mounting post 20 or fully encircling hollow enclosurewhich is mounted in vertical disposition on the turnstile axis ofrotation defined by opposed pivots 22, 24 disposed at the upper andlower ends of the rotor mounting post 20. Reference will be made laterin greater detail to FIGS.'5 and 6 which depict the mounting of therotor for rotation about a fixed vertical axis.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 1-4, the turnstile rotor mounting postis comprised of a plurality of elongated plates 26, 126, 226 havingsubstantially straight opposite side edges, such plates desirably beingof specially shaped configuration. The turnstile illustrated is a threearm type, that, is, it is comprised of three rows of vertically arrangedrotor arms 18 but it will be apparent that the present invention hasapplication to use of two and four vertical rows of arms as well, thethree arm rotor being the more conventionally employed type and thusbeing depicted as the preferred form thereof. Each of the plates 26,126, 226 is identically shaped and has a cross-sectional configurationwhich includes a first generally straight segment extending from one ofsaid opposite side edges to merger with a second straight segmentdisposed at substantially 90 to the first segment, with the secondsegment merging with a third straight segment disposed substantially 120with the second segment and extending to the said other one of theopposite side edges, the respective three segments of each plate beingreferenced by the letters a, b and 0. Thus, when the plates are arrangedin edge--adjacent-to-edge-adjacent assembly in the manner depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, they form a fully encircling enclosure about the axis ofrotation of the rotor and provide the mounting post with a smoothexternal surface configuration devoid of protuberant structure andhaving a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfaces (segments 26a,126a and 226a) arranged spaced about the vertical axis with the armmounting surfaces serving to receive the rows of vertically spaced arms18, there being associated one row of arms with each of the plates. Forthe purposes of receiving the arms, the plate first segments a areprovided with openings 28 in a manner that results in the arms extendingradially of the vertical axis in conventional manner. For connecting theplates 26, 126, 226 together, eachplate is provided with a number ofprojections desirably in the form of hollow bosses carried at the innerside of the plate and extending as one set of bosses 30 vertically alongthe inner surface of the plate segment b and a second set of bosses 32along the inner surface of the plate third segment c. These projections30, 32, when the plates are assembled, align in abutment with companionprojections on the inner surface of the other plates. Thus, eachprojection 30 lines up with a projection 32 to form a pair of plateconnector components interiorly of the enclosure. Each of the bosses 30on the second segment b of each plate is provided with a through passage40 and an enlarged inwardly slotted or countersunk portion 42 in whichis received in stopped abutment therewith, the head 46 of a threadedbolt fastener 48 which fastener at its opposite, end threads into thecompanion boss 32 to hold each pair of aligned bosses 30, 32 inconnected together abutment, the second segments b of each plate havingan opening 50 therein through which the threaded fastener can bereceived from an exterior location on the mounting post to facilitateassembly and dismounting of the plate structure as may be required.Thus, to assemble the three plates 26, 126, 226 in the form ofan-enclosure defining the turnstile arr'n mounting post, there need onlybe employed five threaded-fasteners 48 extending through each plate.

The arms 18 of each vertical row of arms as indicated above are readilyremovably connected to the rotor mounting post 20, with each of therespective corresponding plurality of rows being connected to andassociated with a particular one of the plates 26, 126, 226. Each arm 18comprises an elongated core 56 of preferably solid construction, whichcore has a segment or extension piece 58 of reduced dimension at oneend, such extension peice desirably having the form of a solidrectangular block which is received through the mounting surface opening28 of the associated plate 26, 126, 226 and engageably contactable inflat surface-to-surface contact with a companion mounting member 60securably connected to the second segment b of the associated plate. Thecompanion mounting members 60 conveniently are provided as channelmembers, the tip ends of the flanges of which are securedly connected asby welding to the inner surface of plate segments b. Thus, the web 62 ofthe channel mounting block provides a companion flat surface forreceiving the extension piece 58 of the arm core 56. For the purpose ofremovably securing or connecting the arms 18 with the companion mountingmembers 62, the extension pieces of the arms are provided with throughpassages 64 to receive fasteners such as threaded bolts 66 which arethreaded into the channel mounting member web 62, as best seen in FIG.3. To enhance the appearance of the rotor arms, the same may be providedwith a sheath or sleeve 68 extending the full length thereof andfashioned from a material suited to the desirable end of astheticenhancemenuas for example, stainless steel.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the manner in which the rotor mounting post orenclosure 20 is supported for rotation about a fixed vertical axis. Themounting post is provided at its upper and lower ends with hubs 70, 72,respectively, in the form of disc-like plates which are fixedlyconnected to the tip ends of plates 26, 126, 226 as by welding or othersuitable manner of connection of the same, welding offering, forexample, the advantage of eliminating exterior protuberant connectingstructure on the outer sides of the plates 70, 72. Welded or otherwisefixedly connected to the inner surfaces of the hubs 70, 72 are a numberof mounting blocks 74 which cooperate with companion mounting blocks 76carried on the inner surfaces of the plates 26, 126, 226 and intended toalign one with the other to permit passage therethrough of a suitablefastener, such as the threaded fasteners 80 depicted in FIG. 1.Internally of the mounting post and disposed centrally of the mountingblocks 74 carried on the upper and lower hubs 70 and 72 are sleeves 82and 84 which are provided with bored passages for reception of thepivots 22, 24 respectively.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a form of mounting the fixed arms 14 in the fixedpost 12. The fixed post 12 is provided with a number of verticallyspaced openings and the fixed arms 14 are received through such openingswith one end of the arms each having a pair of angle members 92securedthereto as by welding with the angle members 92 being arranged inopposition to each other and being abutted in flat surface-to-surfacecontact with vertically staggered opposed companion mounting blocks 94securedly connected to opposite inner side surfaces of the fixed post.12. Threaded-fasteners 96 are employed to secure the opposed anglepieces to the companion mounting blocks 94.

Further understanding of the present invention will be had by referenceto the manner in which the turnstile rotor arms can be dismounted whenrequired for repair and/or replacement, and will be explained withcontinuing reference to FIGS. 1-4.

Assuming that the turnstile rotor is in the fully assembled conditiondepicted in FIG. 1, and it is desired to remove one damaged or brokenarm from the row of arms associated with plate 226 (the row at the rightside of FIG. 1), first the fasteners 48 associated with the connectorcomponents 30, 32 carried on plate segments 226b and 1260, respectively,are removed from their fastening position. As will be noted, this can bedone from an external location since openings 50 are provided in theplate segment 226b to permit removal of such fasteners. Then thefasteners associated with connector components 30, 32 carried on platesegments 26b and 226e, respectively, are removed in like manner. Thenthe fasteners 80 engage with hub blocks 74 and blocks 76, whichfasteners are accessible from the outer sides of plate segments 26b and226b are removed. The foregoing completely frees plate 226 carrying thearm to be replaced from its assembled position as part of mounting post20. One such plate is taken down from its mounted position, the arm 18to be replaced can be removed by merely removing the two fastener screws66 holding the arm to its mounting member 60 and a new arm can beinstalled.

To reerect plate 226 and the arms 18 carried thereon as part of themounting post structure of the rotor, plate 226 is brought into opposedjuxtaposition with the plates 26 and 126 in such manner as brings intoalignment the bosses 32 on plate 226 with the bosses 30 of plate 26 andthe bosses 30 of plate 226 with the bosses 32 of plate 126. The fastenerscrews 48 are then inserted and taken up to maintain the abuttedfastening projections in connected condition. The same is done with thefastener screws 80 associated withv mounting blocks 74 and 76 at theupper and lower ends of the mounting post 20.

From the foregoing it will be noted that the present invention providesan important turnstile rotor construction that permits rapid dismountingand replacement of rotor arms in the event of breakage or otheremergency occurence which would require the removal of such arms.Moreover, the same is effected by employment of connector componentswhich are disposed interiorly of the smooth outer surfaced mountingpost,

What is claimed is:

I. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotor comprising a plurality of elongatedplates having substantially straight opposite side edges,

means for supporting said plates in fixed vertical disposition and forrotation about a fixed vertical axis,

means for assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to present when connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis,

rows of vertically spaced arms associated one row with each of saidplates with the arms of each row being received through openings in oneof said mounting surfaces, said rows of arms extending radially of saidvertical axis, and

means for removably connecting the arms in each row at one end of eachsuch arm to its associated plate, the means for connecting together saidplates and the means for removably connecting said arms to said platescomprising first companion connector components carried on said plates,and second companion connector components carried on said plates andsaid arms, respectively, the respective first companion connectorcomponents and the respective second companion connector componentsbeing disposed and connectable together in companion relationshipinteriorly of said enclosure.

2. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotor comprising;

a plurality of elongated plates having substantially straight oppositeside edges,

means for supporting said plates in fixed vertical disposition and forrotation about a fixed vertical axis,

means for assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to presentwhen connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis,

rows of vertically spaced arms associated one row with each of saidplates with the arms of each row being received through openings in oneof said mounting surfaces, said rows of arms extending radially of saidvertical axis, and

means for removably connecting the arms in each row at one end of eachsuch arm to its assocaited plate, the means for connecting together saidplates and the means for removably connecting said arms to said platescomprising first companion connector components carried on said plates,and second companion connector components carried on said plates andsaid arms, respectively, the respective first companion connectorcomponents and the respective second companion connector componentsbeing disposed and connectable together in companion relationshipinteriorly of said enclosure, the first companion connector componentscomprising bosses carried on each plate, each boss being abuttedlyalignable with a companion boss on another plate when said plates areassembled, said bosses being provided with through passages, there beinga fastener engageable with each pair of aligned bosses for maintainingsame in connected together abutment, said fastener comprising a threadedbolt having an enlarged head and being threaded at least at its otherend, said other end extending in one of the bosses of said pair, theenlarged head of said bolt being engageable against a top abutment inthe other boss of said pair when threaded tightly into said first bossfor maintaining said pair connected together.

carried on the associated plate, and a fastener for securedly connectingeach said arm extension piece to its companion mounting member, theextension piece of each arm and its companion mounting member beingprovided with substantially smooth flat surfaces engageable one with theother when said extension pieces are connected to their companionmounting member.

5. The turnstile rotor of claim 4 in which the fastener for securedlyconnecting each extension piece to its companion mounting membercomprises a threaded bolt extending through the extension piece andthreaded into the mounting member.

6. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotor comprising;

' a plurality of elongated plates having substantially straight oppositeside edges,

means for supporting said plates in fixed vertical disposition and forrotation about a fixed vertical axis,

means for assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to present when connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis,

rows of vertically spaced arms associated one row with each of saidplates with the arms of each row being received through openings in oneof said mounting surfaces, said rows of arms extending radially of saidvertical axis, and

means for removably connecting the arms in each row at one end of eachsuch arm to its associated plate, the means for connecting together saidplates and the means forremovably connecting said arms to said platescomprising first companion connector components carried on said plates,and second companion connector components carried on said plates andsaid arms, respectively, the respective first companion connectorcomponents and the respcctive second companion connector componentsbeing disposed and connectable together in companion relationshipinteriorly of said enclosure, the second companion connector componentscomprising an extension piece at said one end of each arm, saidextension piece extending interiorly of said enclosure, a companionmounting member for each arm extension piece carried on the associatedplate, and a fastener for securedly connecting each said arm extensionpiece to its companion mounting member, the extension piece of each armand its companion mounting member being provided with substantiallysmooth flat surfaces engageable one with the other when said extensionpieces are connected to their companion member, each of the armscomprising an elongated solid core, said core having a section ofreduced dimension at said one end providing said extension piece, and atubular sheath tightly unremovably encircling said core from a locationadjacent said extension piece the full length of said core to theopposite end thereof.

7. The turnstile rotor of claim 1 in which the means for supporting saidplates in fixed vertical disposition and for rotation about said axiscomprise hubs removably connected to said enclosure at the upper andlower ends thereof, said hubs having bores therein for receiving fixedaligned pivots defining said vertical axis.

8. The turnstile rotor of claim 7 in which said hubs carry mountingblocks disposed interiorly of said enclosure, said plates having blockscompanion to said hub mounting blocks, and fasteners for connecting saidhub mounting blocks with the companion blocks on said plates. I

9. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotor comprising;

a plurality of elongated plates having substantially straight oppositeside edges,

means for supporting said plates in fixed vertical disposition and forrotation about a fixed vertical axis,

means for assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to present when connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis, rows of vertically spaced armsassociated one row with each of said plates with the arms of each rowbeing received through openings in one of said mounting surfaces, saidrows of arms extending radially of said vertical axis, and means forremovably connecting the arms in each row at one end of each such arm toits associated plate, the means for connecting together said plates andthe means for removably connecting said arms to said plates comprisingfirst companion connector components carried on said plates, and secondcompanion connector components carried on said plates and said arms,respectively, the respective first companion connector components andthe respective second companion connector components being disposed andconnectable together in companion relationship interiorly of saidenclosure, said plurality of plates comprising three identically shapedplates, each plate having a cross-sectional configuration which includesa first generally straight segment extending from one of said oppositeside edges to merger with a second straight segment disposed atsubstantially to said first segment, said second segment merging with athird straight segment disposed at substantially with said secondsegment and extending to said other of said opposite side edges, the.plates being arranged such that the said one'side of each plate is inedgeadjacent-toedge-adjacent relationship with the said other side edgeof an adjacent plate, the first segment of each plate comprising themounting surface of such plate.

10. The turnstile rotor of claim 9 in which the first companionconnector components comprise projections carried on said second andthird segments of each said plate and each being abuttedly alignablewith companion projections on the other two plates, and a fastenerengageable with the aligned projections and maintaining said inconnected together abutment.

11. A turnstile embodying the rotor of claim l, and further having a rowof vertical fixed arms adjacent said

1. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotor comprising a plurality of elongatedplates having substantially straight opposite side edges, means forsupporting said plates in fixed vertical disposition and for rotationabout a fixed vertical axis, means for assembly connecting said platestogether in edgeadjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other,said plates being shaped such that when assembly connected together theyform a fully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said platesfurther being shaped to present when connected together an enclosurehaving a generally smooth surface external configuration devoid ofprotuberant structure and a corresponding plurality of arm mountingsurfaces arranged spaced about said vertical axis, rows of verticallyspaced arms associated one row with each of said plates with the arms ofeach row being received through openings in one of said mountingsurfaces, said rows of arms extending radially of said vertical axis,and means for removably connecting the arms in each row at one end ofeach such arm to its associated plate, the means for connecting togethersaid plates and the means for removably connecting said arms to saidplates comprising first companion connector components carried on saidplates, and second companion connector components carried on said platesand said arms, respectively, the respective first companion connectorcomponents and the respective second companion connector componentsbeing disposed and connectable together in companion relationshipinteriorly of said enclosure.
 2. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotorcomprising; a plurality of elongated plates having substantiallystraight opposite side edges, means for supporting said plates in fixedvertical disposition and for rotation about a fixed vertical axis, meansfor assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to present when connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis, rows of vertically spaced armsassociated one row with each of said plates with the arms of each rowbeing received through openings in one of said mounting surfaces, saidrows of arms extending radially of said vertical axis, and means forremovably connecting the arms in each row at one end of each such arm toits assocaited plate, the means for connecting together said plates andthe means for removably connecting said arms to said plates comprisingfirst companion connector components carried on said plates, and secondcompanion connector components carried on said plates and said arms,respectively, the respective first companion connector components andthe respective second companion connector components being disposed andconnectable together in companion relationship interiorly of saidenclosure, the first companion connector components comprising bossescarried on each plate, each boss being abuttedly alignable with acompanion boss on another plate when said plates are assembled, saidbosses being provided with through passages, there being a fastenerengageable with each pair of aligned bosses for maintaining same inconnected together abutment, said fastener comprising a threaded bolthaving an enlarged head and being threaded at least at its other end,said other end extending in one of the bosses of said pair, the enlargedhead of said bolt being engageable against a top abutment in the otherboss of said pair when threaded tightly into said first boss formaintaining said pair connected together.
 3. The turnstile rotor ofclaim 2 in wHich the plate carrying at least one of the bosses in eachaligned pair of bosses is provided with an opening for receptiontherethrough from a location exterior of said enclosure of the fastenerassociated with said pair.
 4. The turnstile rotor of claim 1 in whichthe second companion connector components comprise an extension piece atsaid one end of each arm, said extension piece extending interiorly ofsaid enclosure, a companion mounting member for each arm extension piececarried on the associated plate, and a fastener for securedly connectingeach said arm extension piece to its companion mounting member, theextension piece of each arm and its companion mounting member beingprovided with substantially smooth flat surfaces engageable one with theother when said extension pieces are connected to their companionmounting member.
 5. The turnstile rotor of claim 4 in which the fastenerfor securedly connecting each extension piece to its companion mountingmember comprises a threaded bolt extending through the extension pieceand threaded into the mounting member.
 6. In a turnstile, a turnstilerotor comprising; a plurality of elongated plates having substantiallystraight opposite side edges, means for supporting said plates in fixedvertical disposition and for rotation about a fixed vertical axis, meansfor assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to present when connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis, rows of vertically spaced armsassociated one row with each of said plates with the arms of each rowbeing received through openings in one of said mounting surfaces, saidrows of arms extending radially of said vertical axis, and means forremovably connecting the arms in each row at one end of each such arm toits associated plate, the means for connecting together said plates andthe means for removably connecting said arms to said plates comprisingfirst companion connector components carried on said plates, and secondcompanion connector components carried on said plates and said arms,respectively, the respective first companion connector components andthe respective second companion connector components being disposed andconnectable together in companion relationship interiorly of saidenclosure, the second companion connector components comprising anextension piece at said one end of each arm, said extension pieceextending interiorly of said enclosure, a companion mounting member foreach arm extension piece carried on the associated plate, and a fastenerfor securedly connecting each said arm extension piece to its companionmounting member, the extension piece of each arm and its companionmounting member being provided with substantially smooth flat surfacesengageable one with the other when said extension pieces are connectedto their companion member, each of the arms comprising an elongatedsolid core, said core having a section of reduced dimension at said oneend providing said extension piece, and a tubular sheath tightlyunremovably encircling said core from a location adjacent said extensionpiece the full length of said core to the opposite end thereof.
 7. Theturnstile rotor of claim 1 in which the means for supporting said platesin fixed vertical disposition and for rotation about said axis comprisehubs removably connected to said enclosure at the upper and lower endsthereof, said hubs having bores therein for receiving fixed alignedpivots defining said vertical axis.
 8. The turnstile rotor of claim 7 inwhich said hubs carry mounting blocks disposed interiorly of saidenclosure, said plates having blocks comPanion to said hub mountingblocks, and fasteners for connecting said hub mounting blocks with thecompanion blocks on said plates.
 9. In a turnstile, a turnstile rotorcomprising; a plurality of elongated plates having substantiallystraight opposite side edges, means for supporting said plates in fixedvertical disposition and for rotation about a fixed vertical axis, meansfor assembly connecting said plates together inedge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with each other, said platesbeing shaped such that when assembly connected together they form afully encircling enclosure about said fixed axis, said plates furtherbeing shaped to present when connected together an enclosure having agenerally smooth surface external configuration devoid of protuberantstructure and a corresponding plurality of arm mounting surfacesarranged spaced about said vertical axis, rows of vertically spaced armsassociated one row with each of said plates with the arms of each rowbeing received through openings in one of said mounting surfaces, saidrows of arms extending radially of said vertical axis, and means forremovably connecting the arms in each row at one end of each such arm toits associated plate, the means for connecting together said plates andthe means for removably connecting said arms to said plates comprisingfirst companion connector components carried on said plates, and secondcompanion connector components carried on said plates and said arms,respectively, the respective first companion connector components andthe respective second companion connector components being disposed andconnectable together in companion relationship interiorly of saidenclosure, said plurality of plates comprising three identically shapedplates, each plate having a cross-sectional configuration which includesa first generally straight segment extending from one of said oppositeside edges to merger with a second straight segment disposed atsubstantially 90* to said first segment, said second segment mergingwith a third straight segment disposed at substantially 120* with saidsecond segment and extending to said other of said opposite side edges,the plates being arranged such that the said one side of each plate isin edge-adjacent-to-edge-adjacent relationship with the said other sideedge of an adjacent plate, the first segment of each plate comprisingthe mounting surface of such plate.
 10. The turnstile rotor of claim 9in which the first companion connector components comprise projectionscarried on said second and third segments of each said plate and eachbeing abuttedly alignable with companion projections on the other twoplates, and a fastener engageable with the aligned projections andmaintaining said in connected together abutment.
 11. A turnstileembodying the rotor of claim 1, and further having a row of verticalfixed arms adjacent said rotor, said fixed arms being spacedly disposedat locations intermediate the course of travel of rows of arms on saidturnstile rotor to permit passage of the latter through the former whensaid rotor is rotated about said fixed axis, said fixed arms beingreceived in a vertical post and removably connected to said verticalpost, said fixed arms having opposed angle pieces at one end thereofwhich extend into said fixed post, said fixed post having companionmounting blocks to which said opposed angle pieces can be connected byfasteners extending through both.